2021 Team Preview: Bellevue West

To kick off the 2021 team previews we’ll start with the team that is flooded with the most talent in the state, the Bellevue West Thunderbirds. The T-Birds boast not only the #3 and #4 ranked players in the 2022 class in star TE duo [player_tooltip player_id="147504" first="Micah" last="Riley-Ducker"] and [player_tooltip player_id="147505" first="Kaden" last="Helms"], but they have tons of talent and depth at nearly every position. Head Coach Michael Huffman has had a track record of winning and getting players on collegiate teams; with Riley-Ducker committing to Auburn, Oklahoma picking up Helms, [player_tooltip player_id="157572" first="Caden" last="Camese"] and [player_tooltip player_id="151113" first="Henry" last="Rickels"] will be sticking together at Air Force and various players still picking up offers, it doesn’t look like 2021 will be any different. Although, they might be hoping for a better ending than last season’s. A Covid shortened season only allowed for Bellevue West to play in 5 regular-season games, in which they outscored opponents 251-78 en route to a 5-0 record heading into the playoffs. The first round brought Lincoln Southwest and a convincing 45-13 victory. Unfortunately for the T-Birds, their season came to an end the following week against a motivated Kearney team that had lost to them earlier during the season. Regardless of the heartbreaking end, that season is in the rearview and it’s safe to say Coach Huffman will have his team hungry and motivated with all eyes on Memorial Stadium. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>2021 Schedule:</strong></span> 08/27 - Omaha Burke (H) 09/03 - Bellevue East (A) 09/10 - Creighton Prep (H) 09/16 - Millard South (H) 09/24 - Kearney (A) 10/01 - Omaha Northwest (H) 10/08 - Millard West (A) 10/15 - Columbus (A) 10/22 - Lincoln High (H) <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Team Highlights:</strong></span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/2/558/5fa423592aa71a0b2407c038" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/2/558/5f9ad0792347b21200e6cd9b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> https://twitter.com/BellevueWestFB/status/1345033614736691200 &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Class of 2022 prospects:</span></em></span> QB - [player_tooltip player_id="147833" first="Luke" last="Johannsen"], 6’2" 190 lbs - Accurate QB with tons of weapons at his disposal. He can deliver the ball deep and create plays outside of the pocket. College coaches REALLY need to <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12128301/5fbaa371f31e3811c84725de" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check his tape out.</a> He’s definitely a prospect I am tabbing to have a big senior year. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12128301/5fbaa371f31e3811c84725de" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12128301/Luke-Johannsen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JohannsenLukas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> RB - [player_tooltip player_id="147818" first="LJ" last="Richardson"], 6’2" 208 lbs - Richardson is a bruising back that can leave you in the dust as well. RB1 in our state rankings has a great blend of size and speed along with incredible shiftiness and patience. A strong showing will solidify his status as the top back and surely bring along the offers as well. LJ also does THIS on a consistent basis... QUIT PLAYING WITH THIS MAN! https://twitter.com/BellevueWestFB/status/1385374249192497155?s=20 <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11715434/LJ-Richardson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LJRichardson__" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> WR/TE - [player_tooltip player_id="147505" first="Kaden" last="Helms"], 6’6" 220 lbs - One of Bellevue West’s dynamic TE duo, [player_tooltip player_id="147505" first="Kaden" last="Helms"] is a big-time playmaker that can line up anywhere and create mismatches. With Helms’ recent commitment to Oklahoma, he gives Head Coach Lincoln Riley and *Insert 5 star Sooner QB name here* a scary weapon that is sure to terrorize Big 12 defenses for the foreseeable future. <a style="font-size: 1rem;" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11431845/Kaden-Helms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">|</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> </span><a style="background-color: #edeef0; font-size: 1rem;" href="https://twitter.com/KadenJHelms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter </a> [caption id="attachment_172379" align="aligncenter" width="244"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/IMG_2532.jpg"><img class="wp-image-172379" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/IMG_2532.jpg" alt="" width="244" height="441" /></a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Helms chooses the Sooners. </span>[/caption] &nbsp; TE - [player_tooltip player_id="147504" first="Micah" last="Riley-Ducker"], 6’6" 251 lbs - Game planning against one dynamic TE is one thing, but two?? Especially two with such diverse skillsets. Riley-Ducker is a bruiser that can contribute to every aspect of the game. He consistently blocks defenders into the dirt and does a good job opening run lanes. Nonetheless, pass-catching is was gets the "bills paid" for the modern tight end, and Riley-Ducker pays in full. A great deep threat, Riley has a great release and is able to outmuscle his way into separation. https://twitter.com/micah_r_d/status/1386496519851831296?s=20 <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11479445/Micah-RileyDucker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/micah_r_d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> OL - [player_tooltip player_id="151113" first="Henry" last="Rickels"], 6’4" 275 lbs - Rickels is a sturdy and powerful interior lineman with a polished skill set. He is very explosive at the snap and is very dangerous when he gets a full head of steam. Air Force is getting an experienced mauler to battle in the trenches. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/Rickels-AF-2.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-172392 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/Rickels-AF-2.jpeg" alt="" width="335" height="503" /></a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11060654/Henry-Rickels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/HenryRickels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> OL - [player_tooltip player_id="151115" first="Nate" last="Raymond"], 6’5" 300 lbs - A new addition to the tough Bellevue West offensive line. I believe Raymond is on the cusp of a breakout season. He has been very active this offseason working on various aspects of his game. I think being plugged into the high velocity offense of the Thunderbirds will impress D1 programs. https://twitter.com/NateRaymond2022/status/1356396515082858497?s=20 <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11815242/Nate-Raymond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NateRaymond2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> DL - [player_tooltip player_id="157572" first="Caden" last="Camese"], 6’3" 290 lbs - Camese, along with Rickels, will also be joining the Air Force Falcons after their Thunderbird career. He is a very athletic defensive tackle with a great ability to plug up the middle and stuff the run. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/Camese-.jpeg"><img class=" wp-image-172399 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/Camese-.jpeg" alt="" width="332" height="332" /> </a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11060637/Caden-Camese" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CadenCamese" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter </a> DL - [player_tooltip player_id="147853" first="Arden" last="Jenkins"], 6’0" 242 lbs - Arden might be one of the more underrated players in regards to making plays in the backfield. With 11 tackles for loss and 3 sack, Jenkins has proved he can shred blocks and make plays all over the field. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14477306/5fc5a4df9677700ba8315ab7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14477306/Arden-Jenkins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ArdenJenkins04" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> MLB - [player_tooltip player_id="167999" first="Jayden" last="Roberts"], 5’9" 200 lbs - Roberts is a thumper and an anchor in the middle of the Bellevue linebacking corps. His film is so fun to watch because of how he flies around the field. He plays from sideline to sideline and is a sure tackler at the point of contact. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11060646/5fb2bcf14df5dd0f6cf0624b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11060646/Jayden-Roberts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JayyydenRoberts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> K/P - [player_tooltip player_id="157630" first="Hunter" last="Brown"], 6’2" 210 lbs - Brown is a top tier kicking prospect. He has the ability to play either kicker or punter position at the collegiate level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11060636/5fbac6ae041ef309e830bb39" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Oher players on the rise: OL - Tye Stuck, 6’0" 235 lbs - Tye should see playing time along the o-line for the T-Birds. He is very mobile and moves into the second level very well. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11060650/Tye-Stuck" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TyeStuck" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> DB - [player_tooltip player_id="156059" first="Jaelin" last="Avant"], 5’11" 165 lbs - Talented and experienced DB that should begin to make more noise on the recruiting trail. Plays great coverage and has fluid hips. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11375945/Jaelin-Avant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JaelinAvant3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> DB - [player_tooltip player_id="156055" first="Preston" last="Ames"], 6’0" 185 lbs - Outstanding 3-sport athlete with playing experience against tough Class A offenses. A tough athlete who could really improve in his senior year. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12507817/Preston-Ames" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/prestonames_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Class of 2023 prospects:</em></span> QB - TK Barnett, 5’9" 150 lbs - Barnett is very interesting dual-threat QB for the T-Birds. He is able to deliver the ball to all levels of the field and can just as easily tuck it and run it to the house. He is very shifty and elusive in the pocket as well as in the open field. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12940301/5fa59cbb0c544413a06da398" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12940301/TK-Barnett" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Tk3era" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> WR - Gio Contreras, 6’0" 180 lbs - A big, physical pass-catcher, Gio has been tearing up the 7v7 circuit this spring/summer. He does an excellent job fighting for contested balls with powerful hands. Learning from past and current T-Bird pass-catching legends will be an extra benefit. https://twitter.com/giocontrera13/status/1371631240353349640 <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12801033/Gio-Contreras" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/giocontrera13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> WR - Kyrell Jordan, 5’8" 145 lbs - Jordan, recent transfer from Bellevue East, is a dynamic playmaker that you want to get in open space. Coaches will want to find different ways to get the ball in his hands, he is able to burn defenses if he gets speed on an sweep type play. Expect Kyrell’s stock to continue to rise. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12950483/5fb3e77696765d07e4816e57" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> SS/OLB - Caleb Jacobmeier, 6’0" 200 lbs - Caleb is a very intriguing prospect because of his versaility and ability to disrupt the play in the backfield. His fair share of play comes from the linebacker positions, but he has the athleticism to move up as an edge rusher and in a safety position. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12780996/5f55a7cfa0190306ec2c716b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12780996/Caleb-Jacobmeier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | T<a href="https://twitter.com/CJacobmeier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">witter</a> <em>Other Players to Watch:</em> OT - Kellen Steuben, 6’2" 250 lbs - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12683711/Kellen-Steuben" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SteubenKellen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> TE - Carson Ames, 6’4" 190 lbs - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14158208/Carson-Ames" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CarsonAmes4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> LB - Nate Huden, 5’11" 205 lbs - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13063980/Nate-Hudec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/natehudec38" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> WR - Donovan Whittfield, 6’3" 175 lbs - Hudl | Twitter <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Class of 2024 prospects:</em></span> QB - [player_tooltip player_id="169899" first="Daniel" last="Kaelin"], 6’2" 175 lbs - The talented sophomore gunslinger is already making BIG noise on the recruiting trail. With a natural throwing motion and big arm the youngster is only getting better. Locking in offers from power 5 teams like Florida State, Nebraska, Arizona State and interests from several others. Daniel is a prospect that should continue to develop into an elite prospect not just in Nebraska, but at a national level as well. https://twitter.com/DanielKaelin5/status/1297733288052826112?s=20 <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14285745/Daniel-Kaelin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielKaelin5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> WR - Dae’ Vonn Hall, 6’2" 175 lbs - Dae’ Vonn looks to be the next elite wideout in the long line of Bell West receivers. He is incredibly athletic with polished footwork and a great release. Hall, like Kaelin, is also beginning to catch the eye of D1 programs, with Iowa, Nebraska and other programs already extending offers. Hall is one of the prospects that I will enjoy watching for the following years. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12139045/5fa9601c5caa5a0bc817fcb3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12139045/Dae-Vonn-Hall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DaevonnHall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> RB - Charlie Gewinner - 5’9" 162 lbs - From the looks of it the Thunderbirds have a solid offensive core in their 2024 class. Gewinner is a prospect that I believe will develop nicely and eventually be the feature back for Bell West. As a freshman, Gewinner was already competing at a high level and had many great outings <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14437277/5ff168039676cd1158782f26" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14437277/Charlie-Gewinner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CGewinner6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Players to watch:</em></span> ATH - Asher Jenkins, 6’2" 175 lbs - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14562175/Asher-Jenkins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/asher_jenkins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> <hr /> &nbsp;